137 Okura River Road, Okura, North Shore City, Auckland, 0792, New Zealand
Girasole Estate is an authentic Italian, solid masonry home designed by renowned architect Mark Wilson of MDS Design and built by award-winning masonry specialists Eden Homes to exacting standards.
Approximately 460 square metres of beauty, with double glazing, four extremely generous bedrooms and a large office/art studio that overlooks the sea right up to Gulf Harbour. Two bedrooms have full ensuites and two in the west wing share a large Jack & Jill bathroom. A separate powder room is located perfectly for guests.
Another special feature of this Italian inspired lodge is the temperature-controlled wine cellar with incredible detail that you can’t help but admire. The ‘great’ room is the hub of the home and boasts the most amazing picture window with views out to sea and beyond. There are also additional ceiling features, a large fireplace and outdoor flow to two brilliant undercover entertaining areas where many a special evening has been enjoyed.
The kitchen has bifolds that open to one of the main outdoor rooms with equally spectacular views to the water. It has a large scullery and quality appliances that you would expect in a home of this caliber that has hosted many an extended family Christmas and weddings. A formal lounge with an historic Kauri fireplace and grand piano is a room you will not want to leave, particularly in winter. There is ducted central heating along with underfloor heating where the owners felt necessary to keep the home cosy all year round. A large in ground saltwater pool is framed by the picture window that overlooks gardens and pathways with stunning fountains and landscaping. A super laundry is perfectly designed for large families and there is three car garaging with a workshop/storage and an additional separate garage for the tools. Beautiful walkways through the olives and a wonderful selection of fruit trees along with two raised garden beds compliment the Italian theme. The section is approximately 1.34ha with a large area currently being cleared to prepare for Manuka planting and beehives for honey.
The house was named ‘Girasole’ from the Italian word for ‘Sunflower’ which literally translates to “to turn to the sun” and is inspired by Villa Branca, an Italian villa in Tuscany. The house is oriented due north to capture both all day sun and the sea views. To the west is the Okura River, an estuary that fosters the rich bird life of this special location so close to the Auckland CBD.
This unique property is easy to fall in love with..
